Membrane filter cleaning method and installation for implementing same

The invention relates to a method of cleaning membrane filters comprising hollow fibres and an inner skin. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: emptying the concentrate compartment in order to release the liquid to be filtered contained therein and the suspended matter, and, subsequently, performing a backwashing step involving the passage of liquid from the permeate compartment into the concentrate compartment through membranes in order to detach and release impurities deposited thereon, while circulating a gas in the concentrate. According to the invention, backwashing liquid and/or gas pulses are produced by control means ( 5, 5 a ; 7, 7 a) during at least one backwashing phase.